University of Alabama plans $25 million road project

Published: Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 5:08 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 5:08 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama’s plans to develop the Bryce Hospital property will happen sooner than expected thanks to a $16 million state grant.

The grant awarded in April will allow the university to build a $25 million road that will cross the Bryce property and connect the eastern portion of campus with Jack Warner Parkway.

The properties committee of the UA board of trustees discussed the road project at its meeting Thursday and approved a preliminary construction budget the full board will consider today.

UA paid the Alabama Department of Mental Health nearly $72 million for the Bryce property in 2010. UA planned to build the road in phases but will be able to complete the project at once because of the $16 million grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley’s office in April through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program.

“This road will open up the Bryce property and will be the impetus to start development,” said UA planner and designer Dan Wolfe.

“All of the things we have in our master plan will be easily accessible,” he said.

UA plans to construct new buildings and use existing ones on the 160-acre property. There are plans for student housing, a performing arts center and administrative buildings, Wolfe said.

There is no definite timeline for the road project, said Cathy Andreen, UA director of media relations.

“There are several studies that must be completed to comply with ALDOT and Federal Highway Administration regulations and procedures before the road design can be initiated,” she said.

A four-lane road will connect the end point of Fifth Avenue to Hackberry Lane near Shelby Hall. A two-lane road is planned to connect that extension to Jack Warner Parkway.

The $16,081,800 grant awarded to UA is based on 80 percent of the construction cost, $15,316,000; plus a 5 percent contingency, $765,800. UA will cover the remaining $9,052,870 with future revenue bonds.

ATRIP was established by Bentley to help local areas get access to money needed for essential road and bridge improvements.

Since July 2012, Tuscaloosa County has received more than $83.5 million in ATRIP money for road and bridge projects in cities and rural areas.

Stephanie Taylor at stephanie.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0210.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama's plans to develop the Bryce Hospital property will happen sooner than expected thanks to a $16 million state grant. </p><p>The grant awarded in April will allow the university to build a $25 million road that will cross the Bryce property and connect the eastern portion of campus with Jack Warner Parkway.</p><p>The properties committee of the UA board of trustees discussed the road project at its meeting Thursday and approved a preliminary construction budget the full board will consider today.</p><p>UA paid the Alabama Department of Mental Health nearly $72 million for the Bryce property in 2010. UA planned to build the road in phases but will be able to complete the project at once because of the $16 million grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley's office in April through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program.</p><p>“This road will open up the Bryce property and will be the impetus to start development,” said UA planner and designer Dan Wolfe.</p><p>“All of the things we have in our master plan will be easily accessible,” he said.</p><p>UA plans to construct new buildings and use existing ones on the 160-acre property. There are plans for student housing, a performing arts center and administrative buildings, Wolfe said.</p><p>There is no definite timeline for the road project, said Cathy Andreen, UA director of media relations.</p><p>“There are several studies that must be completed to comply with ALDOT and Federal Highway Administration regulations and procedures before the road design can be initiated,” she said.</p><p>A four-lane road will connect the end point of Fifth Avenue to Hackberry Lane near Shelby Hall. A two-lane road is planned to connect that extension to Jack Warner Parkway.</p><p>The entire road project, including construction, security, lighting, emergency phones, bus shelters, architecture, engineering and other fees is projected to cost $25,134,670.</p><p>Construction is expected to cost $19,145,000.</p><p>The $16,081,800 grant awarded to UA is based on 80 percent of the construction cost, $15,316,000; plus a 5 percent contingency, $765,800. UA will cover the remaining $9,052,870 with future revenue bonds.</p><p>ATRIP was established by Bentley to help local areas get access to money needed for essential road and bridge improvements.</p><p>Since July 2012, Tuscaloosa County has received more than $83.5 million in ATRIP money for road and bridge projects in cities and rural areas.</p><p>Stephanie Taylor at stephanie.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0210.</p>